Police have completed investigations into last month’s shooting of a police officer allegedly by Magistrate Gordon Gilhuys and the file will again be submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for advice.
Investigations had been launched into the shooting of Tactical Services Unit officer Mark George during the course of duty, and the file sent to the DPP. However, the file had been returned to police with instructions to conduct further investigations. A senior police officer told Stabroek News that the said investigations have been completed and the file is on its way back to the DPP.
At the same time, George who is fully conscious and communicating is now a patient in the High Dependency Unit of the Georgetown hospital. The rank and his colleagues were reportedly on patrol in Woolford Avenue when they noticed a vehicle with tinted windows parked on the roadway. The officers made checks and an argument ensued between them and the driver, who was identified as Magistrate Gilhuys. It was at this point that the magistrate reportedly opened fire on the ranks, hitting George in the back. The man sustained injuries to several internal organs and the bullet exited his body through his abdomen. He underwent emergency surgery before being admitted to the Intensive Care Unit and placed on life support.
The magistrate subsequently made a report at the Brickdam Police Station but he refused to hand over his weapon. However, he parked his vehicle which had about six bullet holes, in the station compound. The magistrate then appeared at the station the following day accompanied by his attorney Nigel Hughes, and after spending most of the day there was released on self bail. He also lodged his weapon at the station.
Meanwhile, concerns have been raised that there has been no progress in the matter. Since the June 26 incident, police have released little information to the media. In the days following the incident, sources had said that Magistrate Gilhuys could be charged in relation to the possession of a firearm and then the file would have been sent to the DPP for further advice.
In the meantime, Magistrate Gilhuys remains on leave which he took on his own accord and his cases are now been handled by the other magistrates in the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court.
